Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. John 11:1-6 (KJV)

When word came to Jesus about Lazarus being sick, He explained that it would result in God’s glory being revealed. But, according to verse 40 of this very chapter, we discover that faith is required to see God’s glory.

They told Jesus that Lazarus was sick, yet Jesus waited two days before He set out to go to him. Jesus knew what He was doing. We must trust and not question God’s love when it seems like God is delayed. Jesus loved this family, and they loved Him. And we can be sure that Jesus loves our families too. We can approach God for someone else based on God’s love for them.

Jesus said that the sickness was not unto death, but it would be used for the glory of God. When we trust God, we get the right perspective. Having God’s perspective stops fear from entering the picture.

Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. He was not out to harm them, but to help them. We must keep in mind, in whatever trials we face, that God loves us and is on the way to help. Jesus knew that Lazarus was sick yet He stayed in the same place for two days. God wants to show His glory and sometimes it involves waiting. We must stay in faith so we don’t miss our miracle. Sometimes this means that things get worse before they get better, but God is never late.

These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. John 11:11-15 (KJV)

Jesus knew beforehand that Lazarus had died. However, He said He would wake him up, meaning that He would raise Him from the dead. This shows us that God can wake up those who are asleep, those who are spiritually dead. He can bring them back to life and to the things of God.

Jesus said He was glad He wasn’t there to help Lazarus while He was alive. While this sounds harsh on the surface, Jesus explained that wanted the disciples to see this miracle and believe on Him. He was using it to develop their faith. This miracle showed them that God has authority over death.

Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. John 11:39-44 (KJV)

Jesus arrived at the tomb of Lazarus and told them that if they believed they would see the glory of God. God’s glory is revealed to those who believe. He called Lazarus forth, demonstrating that words release God’s power and glory for miracles. Lazarus obeyed Jesus’ spoken word and came forth from the tomb. Thus, they saw the glory of God. God’s glory is His goodness. In this case, the glory, the goodness of God, raised Lazarus from the dead. God’s glory turned a tragic situation into a celebration.

When it seems like God is delaying, we must trust Him. He knows us. He loves us. He is “on the way” to help us. As we trust and believe Jesus, we will see the glory of God revealed in our lives.